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Incorruptible image and leadership quality made Gogoi CM

Though he has been in it for the past three decades, he is yet to be a member of Assembly. But his incorruptible image and leadership quality has made him the unanimous choice for the post of the chief minister this time.

Born in 1936, he was always active in politics since his college days. From the post of vice-president of student union of JB College in Jorhat, Gogoi has come a long way.

In 1968, Gogoi was selected chairman of Jorhat Municipal Board. He made his maid entry into the Lok Sabha in 1971 winning from Jorhat. A lawyer by profession, he was made the ICC joint secretary in 1976.In 1977, Gogoi was elected for the second time to Parliament, surviving the anti-emergency backlash. Approved by then Prime Minister Rajib Gandhi, he became the AICC general secretary in 1985.When the AGP came to power in 1986, Gogoi became the APCC president and headed the party till 1990.

When he won in the 1991 general election, it was his sixth entry into the Lok Sabha. He was appointed Union Minister of State for Food Processing in the PV Narasimha Rao ministry. He, however, lost his traditional Koliabor seat in 1996 but are gained it with ease in 1998 and then in 1999.

After the death of former chief minister Hiteswar Saikia, he was returned the presidentship of the APCC. He led the party through three successive wins-two general elections, besides the Assembly poll-and became the automatic choice for the 16th chief minister of Assam.

A keen golfer, the new chief minister might have to keep aside his hobby.(UNI)